China Southern Airlines (CSA) has launched Canada’s only direct cargo service between Vancouver and Mainland China – an initiative that is expected to create 40 full-time jobs in the airline industry and countless indirect jobs in Canada’s export industries.
Since July, CSA has been moving B.C. seafood and heavy equipment from across Canada to China four times weekly.
“Deepened and broadened trade and transportation ties between Canada and China will bring enormous benefits to Canadians,” International Trade Minister Ed Fast said in a release.
“A new direct air cargo service between Vancouver and Shanghai will lead to new jobs, stronger economic growth and greater prosperity for Canadian businesses, workers and their families.”
B.C. exported $957 million worth of seafood in 2010. About $313 million of that went to Asia, $80 million of which headed to China.
Exports of seafood to China grew 18% between 2009 and 2010.
B.C.’s top seafood exports to China are crabs, geoducks, hake and herring.
Glen Korstrom
Twitter: GlenKorstrom